Chartres Christmas Market

Chartres en Lumières, the setting for the market

Chartres Christmas market has existed since 2009, but what turns a stay here into something special is the Chartres en Lumières event. Every evening, from spring to winter, 23 of the city's monuments are lit up with video mapping. Notre-Dame cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979, is the centrepiece. Its 12th-century Gothic facade takes on colours and patterns that change every hour.

The event is entirely free, open to all from nightfall until 1am. The route map, handed out at the tourist office, lets you follow the 23 illuminated sites over 4 km through the historic centre. Allow 2 to 3 hours to do it all on foot.

The Christmas market itself

The market sets up on Place du Cygne and Place des Halles, 5 minutes' walk from the cathedral. Seventy-five dark wooden chalets, more modest than Strasbourg or Bordeaux. The mood is family-friendly, never overcrowded. Place des Halles hosts Santa's house and free craft workshops for children.

On Place des Épars, 5 minutes' walk away, an open-air ice rink and an illuminated Ferris wheel complete the family offer. The ice rink is free for under-12s in some morning sessions (Tuesday and Thursday).

The cathedral, a 12th-century monument

Beyond the market and the lights, Notre-Dame de Chartres cathedral is worth the trip on its own. Built largely between 1194 and 1220, it is one of the masterpieces of Gothic art. Its 13th-century stained glass, including the famous Chartres blue that has never been reproduced since, is unequalled anywhere in the world for its scale and state of preservation.

Entry to the cathedral is free. For an in-depth guided tour, the Chartres Cathédrale association offers themed visits on the stained glass, the labyrinth and the crypt (€12 per person, 1h30). Best combined with a late-afternoon visit to catch the fading light on the windows.

Local flavours

Mentchikoffs are Chartres's chocolate speciality. Created in 1893 by Maison Daumesnil to celebrate the Franco-Russian alliance, they are chocolates filled with almond paste and coated in a white meringue shell. Maison Daumesnil has closed, but other local chocolatiers (Maison Vasseur) carry on the recipe.

Pâté de Chartres en croûte (game from the Beauce and the Eure-et-Loir, baked in puff pastry) is the other speciality, on the savoury side. Sold by the slice at the market by local charcuteries; allow €6 to €10 a portion. Excellent for a cold picnic.

Planning your stay

Chartres from Paris-Montparnasse: 1 hour by Intercités train, several trains a day. It is one of the most accessible Christmas market destinations for a day return. To make the most of the lights and a visit to the cathedral, plan a night on site. The climate is temperate, sometimes wet: bring a waterproof. To go further, Tours (Centre-Val de Loire) is 1 hour away by TER regional train.